Latest news

As part of Operation Storm, police will continue to target known and suspected burglars through home visits, stop checks, high profile policing and use of the automated number plate recognition system (ANPR) to reassure residents and deter offenders.

Chief Inspector James Troisi for Rochdale Division said: “Action such as this shows offenders that they will be made to payback for the misery they cause to innocent people. There is no hiding place for them and we will make sure that they are caught.”

Throughout the initiative residents are being urged to register their valuable items on Immobilise.com, the national property database, so if they are stolen and later recovered they can be returned to their rightful owner. This has been done through mobile surgeries across the borough as well as workshops at schools to encourage pupils to register items such as their mobile phones and IPods.

In addition, officers will conduct checks to ensure second-hand outlets are not handling stolen goods and police community support officers will be issuing Smartwater in the Healey area. The Heywood and Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been delivering crime prevention surveys in a bid to reduce burglaries in the homes of vulnerable people. A locksmith from Timpsons has accompanied them to fit the crime prevention equipment on completion of the survey for free.

Chief Inspector Troisi, said: “I would like the residents of Rochdale to remember to register their valuables. Not only is Immobolise.com free, it is easy to use and helps to put a dent into the stolen goods market and simplifies insurance claims and police reports.”

Other tactics residents can use to secure their valuables is to make their property less vulnerable to burglars. Simple tips include:

· Keeping doors and windows shut and locked even when you are in. One in three burglaries are down to thieves getting in through open doors and windows.
· Keep gadgets and valuables out of sight and away from windows.
· Dispose of boxes that contained valuables by taking them to the tip - leaving them outside your home is an advert to thieves of what might be inside.
· Install and use your burglar alarm every time you leave the house and when you go to bed.
· Use lights, radios and timer switches to make your house look occupied.

Residents are reminded to contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team for any policing issues:

Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Norden, Healey, Bamford, Central, Town Centre, Spotland and Falinge on 0161 856 9961 / rochdalenorthpartnership@gmp.police.uk

Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Kingsway, Castleton, Milkstone and Deeplish, Balderstone and Kirkholt on 0161 856 8549 / rochdalesouthpartnship@gmp.police.uk

Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team covering North, South, East and West Middleton on 0161 856 8701 / middletonpartnership@gmp.police.uk

Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Hopwood Hall, West and North Heywood on 0161 856 8589 / heywoodpartnership@gmp.police.uk

Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Littleborough Lakeside, Wardle and West Littleborough, Smallbridge and Firgrove and Milnrow and Newhey on 0161 856 4556 / pennineparnership@gmp.police.uk

You can call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Only call 999 in an emergency or where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.